Co-operative Energy triumphs at Which? Awards 2012

Posted on 22 June 2012

Ethical energy provider Co-operative Energy has scooped the Positive Change Award at the Which? Awards 2012.
The energy supplier, which celebrated its first anniversary with a doubling in customer numbers, picked up the award following its triumph in the Which? Big Switch, the UK’s first collective buying scheme.
The award recognised Co-operative Energy’s significant efforts to give customers a better deal and was presented to Nigel Mason, Business Development Manager at Co-operative Energy.
On receiving the award, Nigel commented: “We’re delighted and honoured to be collecting this award from the consumers’ champion, Which? and even more delighted as it is the second year we have received an accolade for our ‘fair deal’ approach to our customers.
“We launched Co-operative Energy with a clear vision, to give customers a fair and honest deal and we’re prepared to buck the industry trend and try new approaches to reach that goal. That includes taking part in and winning the Which? Big Switch auction. It’s a great example of a true co-operative at work with people joining forces to increase their buying power and turn the tables on an industry that has been dominated by complacency and poor customer treatment.”
Which? Chief Executive Peter Vicary-Smith said:
“The Positive Change Award was introduced last year to recognise a company that has made significant changes that have resulted in a better deal for its customers.
“This year the award goes to Co-operative Energy. It has a policy of simple pricing and providing clear information and advice. And it has acted on feedback given by Which? to make this even better in recent months.
“In October last year we challenged energy firms to agree to installing smart meters without selling extra products and services. Co-operative Energy was one of the first companies to sign up. And finally, it was a key part of the success of The Big Switch initiative, introducing a new market-leading tariff to win the auction, showing that even though it’s a smaller supplier, its prices are extremely competitive."
2012 is the International Year of the Co-operatives, which is focused on highlighting the strengths of the co-operative business model as an alternative means of doing business and furthering socio-economic development. The Which? Positive Change Award recognises the great work Co-operative Energy has made in the energy market and reinforces the need for the alternative business model.
The awards were held at Kings Place, London on Wednesday 20th June.